noun
challenge
CHAL-ihnj
noun
1
A task or situation that tests someone's abilities in a demanding but often rewarding way.
"Learning a new language was a challenge she genuinely enjoyed."
"Running the marathon was the biggest physical challenge of his life."
2
An invitation to a contest, or a questioning of something's validity.
"The lawyer filed a legal challenge to the ruling."
"He issued a challenge to anyone who doubted his claim."
verb
1
To dispute or question something, or to invite someone to a contest.
"She challenged the referee's decision."
"He challenged his rival to a rematch."
How to Use Challenge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA difficult task worth attempting, or an act of disputing something or inviting a contest.
Common pairings
rise to the challenge
face a challenge
challenge a decision
issue a challenge
Word Forms
challenged past tense, challenges plural, challenges singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “challenge”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Learning a new language was a _____ she genuinely enjoyed.
Etymology
From Old French chalenge, ultimately from Latin calumnia ("false accusation") — a doublet of the word "calumny."